Monday, December 11, 2017

Week two of my 2017 playlist includes my favorite track from a great comeback album, a high-powered rock 'n' roll team and a couple of solid tracks from lackluster records.

Hellbound Glory, "Hellbound Blues" from Pinball. One of the few musical high points of 2017 for me was the triumphant return of Hellbound Glory. This gritty, dark rocker from the record is easily my favorite song. While I in no way condone the use of cocaine, I love the first verse of the song, particularly the interesting description of his coke as "whiter than the Alabama Ku Klux Klan."

Alice Cooper, "Fallen in Love" from Paranormal. Alice teams up with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top for a rollicking, rocking love anthem that leaves me thinking that he and the Rev. Willie G should work together more often. Maybe a full project? A guy can only hope. Great groove, great song.

Danzig, "But a Nightmare" from Black Laden Crown. (No video available.) This album has to be one of the most frustrating of the year for me. There are good songs, but the mix is horrible and his insistence on making his voice the loudest thing on the record only underscores how worn and haggard it sounds these days. Danzig really needs to hire a producer and just focus on the songwriting. This tune, though, is solid -- heavy and dark, just what you want from Danzig.

Marilyn Manson, "Tattooed in Reverse" from Heaven Upside Down.The Pale Emperor brought me back into the Manson fold after a long time away. It was a fantastic record and had me looking forward to this one, which is a little strange and not as good. It's high points, though, are excellent, and this twisting, turning, writhing tune is one of my favorites.

Savage Messiah, "Hands of Fate" from Hands of Fate. The newest record from Savage Messiah is a little different from the speed and thrash of past efforts. It's more of a traditional metal offering with occasional hints of their earlier work. There are some great hooks and melodies, though, and I've been jamming this song LOUD for the last couple of months.

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About Me

I am a veteran entertainment writer with a love of hard rock and heavy metal. I've written music reviews, columns and feature stories for several newspapers, Web sites and a national wire service. I've run Hall of the Mountain King in various places and incarnations since 1997.